Google Glass
http://youtu.be/IaU6DWb0yzs
Introduction
The idea of having everything you need in the blink of an eye has
been talk for centuries. The idea of having a device that is able to provide
all of those services is becoming all too real for the upcoming year. The
product Google Glass is expected to hit the consumer market relatively soon.
Google Glass will be the equivalent of a smartphone, although it will be
integrated into a type of eye wear the user can wear. Electronics News describes Google Glass as
being “the latest addition to the emerging field of “ubiquitous computing” (UC)
and is designed to fit comfortably into people’s lives.” (Tuffley, 2013) The
idea of Google Glass gives numerous potential benefits. This product raises a
few social and ethical concerns, but with further research will be able to hit
the market in no time.
Background
Google Glass is “still in the hands of the developer, but soon to
be released to everyday consumers” (Gold, 2013), says Network World. Google
Glass is said to have the same capabilities as a smartphone, but just with
better accessibility. This product is described as “a personal assistant that
connects directly to the Web via WiFi, or tethers to a 3G or 4G smartphone via
Bluetooth. Weighing less than a pair of sunglasses it is operating by touch and
voice.” (Tuffley, 2013) With Google Glass being an almost hands free device, it
will create a more active lifestyle with our technology. Users will no longer
have to hold a device to keep in contact with social networks or other
individuals. Glass will have
the ability to “take photos and videos on command, allowing you
to capture high-definition images and audio wherever you go.” (Tuffley, 2013) The idea of “One design shows the supporting frame
being placed behind the head, embedding the hardware within the frame, with
just a thin extension holding the glass piece and camera seen on the face.” (Presswire,
2013) Considering most of the everyday user would not want to wear this design,
developers have been working on modifying it so it is more appealing to
consumers.
However, along with designing Glass to be
fashionable, Google has been mindful with the cost. “The price is estimated to be around $750 U.S. dollars” (Tuffley,
2013) according to Electronics News. That price has been lowered from thousands
of dollars. This device will only be an option for the wealthier individuals
and companies at first, but will soon be a universal concept affordable by all.
Security Concerns
The main security concern raised by
Google Glass is the fear of individual’s privacy being at risk. Knowing users
can activate the camera and video settings with a simple saying or light touch
of the lens is unsettling in the public eye. Electronics News states, “the fact
that with Google Glass the user can take photos and videos on command has “privacy
advocates” worried. Their concern is you could record people without their
consent. “ (Tuffley, 2013) The fear of unconsented photographic recording also
raises red flags for liability. Google Glass has expressed concern for this
problem from the beginning and has realized it will be an area that will need a
lot more perfecting before it can be sold to consumers. Even “the media has
argued that Glass poses a serious threat to privacy, and some establishments,
including casinos, strip clubs and one Seattle bar and grill; which have
pre-emptively banned the devices.” (Gold, 2013) The fact that establishments
have already banned this product from their businesses and it is not even
released yet, should encourage further research on the security of Google
Glass.
The fear of the software itself being unsecure is also of concern
to developers. “Current developers that have access to Glass, have stated that
it is easy to hack/tweak the operating system, allowing any potential breaching
to occur. Glass runs a
version of Google's Android operating system, so the similarities will make the
headwear easy to work with for the large existing community of independent
Android developers and modders.” (Claburn,
2013) With the public having the knowledge that Glass has the ability to be
hacked into, Google will need to work even harder in perfecting the security of
the software.
Potential Benefits
The potential benefits for Google
Glass are practically endless. Electronics News releases, “The grand vision for
the future is to make all of the world’s information “universally accessible
and useful”.” (Tuffley, 2013) Without the strange design of how the user would
wear the product, this device is a step below having brain implantations. As
Electronics News boldly states, “This product was labeled one of 2012’s most
important inventions and “the next big thing”.” (Tuffley, 2013) The release
date for this hot product will be a big day for everyone, universally.
Many developers believe, “The idea
of incorporating Google Glass into eyewear itself would be the best way to
market it for the average consumer.” (Presswire, 2013) Not only is it the best
way to keep information accessible, but also “will be wearable for the everyday
user.” (Presswire, 2013) Essentially, this product will be groundbreaking in
its capabilities. For example, let’s say the user “passes a billboard for their favorite
band, so they ask Glass to remind them to buy tickets. Arriving at their
destination, they query the location of a friend, and they arrange to meet.”
(Tuffley, 2013) Most smartphones have similar applications, but none that will measure
up to what Glass applications will be able to do.
Social Implications
Socially, Google Glass has been
pinned to be “too socially awkward” (Zeman, 2013) for the user to wear. The
uncomfortably tacky design creates a bulky feeling when in using the product.
Informationweek states, “Google
Glass may be one of the most interesting pieces of technology to come along in
recent years, but the majority of Americans wouldn't be caught dead wearing
them.” (Zeman, 2013) Google Glass is going to have to come up with a simple
design that users can incorporate in their everyday lives.
The fear of
creating a social barrier due to the use of this device is a prominent
revelation many developers are realizing. While the user and individuals around
the user are able to tell when the camera is on by a small light indicating
just that; no one will be able to tell when the Google Glass is use. "At
best, they see a Glass user as someone who prioritizes information access over
a personal connection with others. At worst, they fear social sleights of hand:
researching topics, recording video or Googling a person in
mid-conversation." (Zeman, 2013) Considering the idea of Glass was to
allow a more active lifestyle, the result of also having a loss of personal
connection is a social implication that will unintentionally be created.
Legal and Ethical
Implications
Many of the legal or ethical
implications involved with Google Glass are the privacy settings, however few
realize a potential GPS chip within the device or the ability for the device to
impair driving. The concern with having a GPS chip within the device is the
ability to determine the location of the wearer. (Tuffley, 2013) While knowing
the location of the wearer could be used for pure intentions, such as finding a
friend to meet up for coffee. The other intentions could be harmful, such as
figuring out when a homeowner leaves their house so it is vacant for a
successful home invasion.
Secondly, the implication that this
device could impair a driver on the road; due to the location of the device
being in front of the eyes at all times. The use of the phone behind the wheel
is illegal, but sadly, drivers still partake in talking of their phones
anyways. The same idea can be used for the use of Google Glass behind the
wheel. Users could look through their email while behind the wheel and cause
harm to fellow drivers on the road. (Tuffley, 2013)
Further
Research Required
No product
is absolutely perfect when first released. Google Glass will have few
downfalls, but that is why further research is being done now and will continue
to be refined in time to come. Some of the ideas that Google would like to
incorporate into Glass will not be available until later; such as a facial
recognition program, for doctors or first responders to use in the field for
better medical care. (Claburn, 2013) It is not clear what else this
technological advance program will be able to do, but there is talk that it
will aid in privacy of the over all device too.
Another
concept that Google Glass will have to deal with in time is copycats; similar
devices that will compete with their design. Electronics News states, “Along
with the excitement of Google Glass, there are already cheaper clones being
created, by Motorola, Sony, Epson, Chinese newcomer Baidu and others.” (Tuffley,
2013) Google will have to produce a way of being unique from all the other
mediocre designs, in order to maintain the original ownership of the idea of
Glass.
Conclusion
The idea of
a new groundbreaking product predicting to change the lifestyle of individuals,
has a way of raising skepticism within society. Society was nervous for the
first television and the first computer, but they slowly became more accepting.
Society will need to be open-minded for this product to be able to use it to
its full benefit. Google Glass will be the next big thing for centuries to
come. Consumers will be able to have access to the world’s information, interact
with people while using their Google Glass and even more. The scare for whether
this device will be secure or intrude citizen’s privacy is valid but will be
reduced by the time the product is released. Google Glass’s ultimate goal will
be achieved and will encourage more technology developments.
Bibliography
Claburn, T. (2013). Google
glass alarms lawmakers. Informationweek - Online, Retrieved
from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1352783660?accountid=14541
Lawmakers want
answers from Google CEO Larry Page about the privacy implications of Google
Glass. On Thursday, eight members of Congress sent a letter to Page asking how
Google intends to protect public privacy in the face of Glass and whether
Google intends to implement facial recognition technology in its computerized
eyewear.
Gold, J.
(2013). Google glass rooted already – and it’s really easy. Network World
(Online), Retrieved from
Glass runs a version of
Google’s Android operating system, so the similarities will make the headwear
easy to work with for the large existing community of independent Android
developers and modders. Root access provides users with a way to circumvent many
of the Android operating system’s built-in safeties and restrictions – adding
the ability to do more with the software at the cost of creating new security
pitfalls for the unwary
New concept
designs show 'fashionable' google glass. (2013, Mar 13). M2 Presswire. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1316137492?accountid=14541
“Google Glass is the hot
product on every gadget lover’s mind, but let’s fact it, they’ve hardly put the
time inot making it a desirable wearable product to the everyday consumer. Our
designs show how, using technology available now, Google Glass could indeed be
made into a much more fashionable product; ultimately making it likely for a
wider portion of the consumer market to buy into it. Selling a product like
this is all about making it easy to slot into everyday life, and if you don’t
want to look like a robot, our designs show how this could be easily done.”
Project Glass. (2013, May
224). [Web log message].
Retrieved
from https://plus.google.com/ projectglass/posts
Blog by Google with the
most recent news and information on Google Glass; posts from developers and consumers
feedback.
Rivington, J. (2013, April
25). Google glass: What you will need to know .
But what exactly is Google Glass? Why is
it attracting all this attention and what are the implications - both good and
bad - of having a Google-eye view of the world?
Tuffley, D.
(2013). Is google glass all it's cracked up to be? Electronics
News, Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1347405373?accounti=14541
Google] has a grand vision
for the future: the company wants to make all of the world’s information
“universally accessible and useful,” and with Google co-founder Sergey Brin as
Glass]’s most avid champion, it’s not hard to see where all of this is going.
Zeman, E. (2013). Google
glass 'socially awkward,' americans say. Informationweek -
Google's 10 Best Gags, Pranks And Easter
Eggs(click image for larger view and for slideshow) Blame it on Fred Armisen
and that Google Glass-skewering Saturday Night Live skit. Google Glass may be
one of the most interesting pieces of technology to come along in recent years,
but the majority of Americans wouldn't be caught dead wearing them
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